Working with Indigenous and other cultural groups

This chapter introduces why it is important for researchers to have an understanding of the cultures of different groups they may work with. And how being aware of such matters can facilitate the development of good working relationships, whilst a failure to do so may present barriers. The chapter uses the example of working with Indigenous Australians and Indigenous Australian communities to illustrate some of the issues that researchers should be aware of. Whilst each culture will have different specific practices, being aware of such cultural matters will enable the researcher to be better informed of the type of cultural issues and practices that they should themselves become familiar with as they prepare to work with other cultural groups The chapter concludes with the inclusion of guidance provided by the World Health Authority for working in such contexts.